Michael J McDonald

Born in Montevideo, Minnesota, in 1936 to Doug and Mary McDonald, Dr. Mike, as he was affectionately known, earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He completed his internship at Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu, where he discovered his love of the weather and waters of the islands.

In 1969, Dr. Mike became Maui’s first orthopedic surgeon, establishing his practice in Kahului. Pau Hana, he would hike up to the St. Anthony Cross and beyond. In the 1970s, the hospital gave him one of the first cell phones—it was huge—that he cleverly rigged to his red convertible. So while he was out surfing at Ho’okipa, the car would honk and flash its headlights to alert him whenever an emergency call came in from the hospital.

As his surgical practice became physically demanding, Dr. Mike shifted to family medicine, opening a practice in Haiku. During the noon hour, he religiously swam Baldwin Beach rain or shine. Around this time, he began to explore his passion for music, and took up guitar and piano and loved jamming on the weekends with friends.

Even after retiring in 2016 at the age of 80, Dr. Mike’s commitment to staying active never wavered. He became a familiar figure at Keawakapu Beach, walking and swimming daily until an unfortunate fall in his home at the age of 86 left him with a broken hip. After recovering, he continued his fitness routine, walking around his neighborhood and riding his stationary bike, always determined to keep moving.

Dr. Mike is predeceased by his parents, Doug and Mary McDonald. He is survived by his five children: John McDonald, Todd (Kathy) McDonald, Paul (Jennifer) McDonald, Elric Vindrathax, and Sara (Jason) Oliver, whose families span from Maui to Maryland. His grandchildren include Micah McDonald, Cody McDonald, Maddie McDonald, Max McDonald, Derek Kaiser-Vindrathax, Capri Oliver, and Lily Oliver.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for family and caregivers at his Wailuku home. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Mike would have wanted you to share a hug with those you love.